A nurse is caring for a patient immediately following endotracheal intubation.

Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize to assess the patient for complications?

Auscultate lungs for the presence of breath sounds.

Determine that the pulse oximetry is greater than 95%.

Assess baseline level of consciousness.

Assess for the presence of circumoral cyanosis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
Auscultating the lungs for the presence of breath sounds is a priority action following endotracheal intubation. This helps to confirm correct tube placement and assess for complications such as a pneumothorax.
Choice B rationale
While it is important to ensure that the pulse oximetry is greater than 95% to confirm adequate oxygenation, this is not the priority action. The nurse should first confirm correct tube placement by auscultating lung sounds.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the baseline level of consciousness is important, but it is not the priority action following endotracheal intubation.
Choice D rationale
Assessing for the presence of circumoral cyanosis can indicate hypoxia, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should first confirm correct tube placement by auscultating lung sounds.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Following ventilator-weaning protocols is an important intervention to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Weaning protocols help to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation, which is a risk factor for developing ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Choice B rationale
Providing frequent mouth care is a key intervention in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia. Good oral hygiene can help to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth that can potentially be aspirated into the lungs.
Choice C rationale
Suctioning the patient every hour is not typically recommended as a method to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Over-suctioning can potentially damage the lung tissue and mucous membranes, and it can also increase the risk of introducing bacteria into the lungs.
Choice D rationale
Placing the patient in a prone position can help to improve oxygenation and reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia. The prone position can help to drain secretions from the lungs, reducing the risk of bacteria growth and infection.
Choice E rationale
Refraining from suctioning the patient is not a recommended intervention to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Suctioning is necessary to remove secretions from the airway, which can help to prevent infection.

A. Implement ventilator-weaning protocols. B. Provide frequent oral care. C. Suction the patient every hour. D. Position the patient in a prone position. E. Avoid suctioning the patient.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Implementing ventilator-weaning protocols is a crucial intervention in the care plan for a patient on a ventilator to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. These protocols aim to minimize the patient’s exposure to mechanical ventilation, which is a significant risk factor for developing ventilator-associated pneumonia. By systematically reducing the level of ventilatory support, these protocols facilitate the earliest possible liberation from mechanical ventilation, thereby reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Choice B rationale
Providing frequent oral care is another essential intervention in preventing ventilator- associated pneumonia. Oral health can quickly deteriorate in mechanically ventilated patients, leading to an increased risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Regular oral care, including the use of antiseptics, can help reduce the number of potential respiratory pathogens in the oral cavity and prevent their aspiration into the lower respiratory tract.
Choice C rationale
Suctioning the patient every hour is not typically recommended as a standard intervention to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Over-suctioning can lead to trauma and inflammation in the airway, potentially increasing the risk of infection. Suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s needs and clinical signs, rather than on a fixed schedule.
Choice D rationale
Positioning the patient in a semi-upright position (30 to 45 degrees), rather than a prone position, is recommended to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. This position helps to reduce the risk of aspiration, which is a major risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Choice E rationale
Avoiding suctioning the patient is not a recommended strategy for preventing ventilator- associated pneumonia. Suctioning is necessary to clear secretions from the airway, and its omission could potentially increase the risk of infection. However, as mentioned earlier, suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s needs and clinical signs, rather than on a fixed schedule.

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A nurse is caring for a patient immediately following endotracheal intubation. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize to assess the patient for complications?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a patient on a ventilator, to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. The nurse recognizes that which of the following interventions should be included? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

In the context of developing a care plan for a patient on a ventilator to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia, which interventions should be included? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

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A nurse is caring for a patient immediately following endotracheal intubation.

Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize to assess the patient for complications?